In his book, “Prescription for Natural Healing,” Dr. James F. Balch MD states “Habitual sleeplessness is classified as insomnia. Failure to get an entire night’s sleep on most nights over a one month period can be considered chronic insomnia.”

He also goes to say that about 40 million Americans are affected and about 30% of healthy seniors. The same case scenario is probably true of the Canadian population.

What Annie and I are hearing from the people that stop at our booth, is that most suffer the long term sleeplessness or chronic insomnia.

One point becomes crystal clear as we listen to people: the fundamental necessity of sleep and the rejuvenation that it offers. Most individuals become worried and overwhelmed by not sleeping. They feel constantly tired and often mention conditions which follow after the initial insomnia episode started.

I gently ask about their lifestyle, habits, work, environment, just to get a better picture of stresses confronting them on a daily basis. Most have several teas or coffees, have a main meal in the late afternoon or evening and spend time on the internet playing games or watching TV. Health buffs often spend evenings in the gym or work out in front of the tube.

Now, none of these activities are in any way bad or negative, but all stimulate either the body, the brain, or both.

• Large meals stimulate the digestive system
• Exercise and workout stimulate muscles, heart, nervous system
• Watching TV and playing video games stimulates the brain.

What can be done to help the struggling sleep deprived person?

Lifestyle must be adjusted to help relax in the evening hours.

Have the large meal in the morning or at lunch. A lighter meal in the evening, will lessen the wear and tear on the digestive organs.

Have the work out in the morning. This morning activity will energise the body, giving you the endorphins to take on the day.

In the evening relax and listen to the music which would be beneficial and soothing for the brain.

There are natural non-addictive sleep aids, and Immunotec Inc. has one of the best sleep aids available. Immunotec Tart Montmorency Cherry Concentrate offers you “The Magic of Melatonin.” Research at University of Texas Science Centre in San Antonio, has shown that Tart Montmorency Cherries contain significant quantities of melatonin.

A powerful antioxidant, according to Dr. Russel J. Reiter: “Tart Cherries, specifically Montmorency variety, contain an extremely significant quantity of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone secreted from the pineal gland; its concentration in the blood varies throughout the day, peaking at night-time, triggering sleep.

To find reliable scientific source of information about Immunotec Cherry product and especially Montmorency Tart Cherry, go to www.PubMed.com and use key words, “sour cherry” and “Prunus cerasus” or “montmorency.”

Tart cherry has far-reaching benefits, from melatonin build up, anti-inflammatory properties, phytochemicals, called anthocyanins, and is also loaded with a variety of nutrients. It has 20 times the vitamin A and beta-carotene as the more famous fruits blueberries or strawberries.

Have a Cherry Jubilee for Health!

To Your Good Health!

Urszula Szychowska

Disclaimer: At no time is this article intended to be a medical opinion or a treatment for any health condition. Contact your physician if you have any health issues.